Synonyms for

Rather

Verb / ˈræðɜ: / / ˈrʌðɜ: / Another word for rather — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to a certain extent; instead of

Synonyms & similar words

quite kinda instead preferably sortof kindof sooner preferably somewhat quite fairly moderately reasonably slightly alternatively or otherwise else

Synonyms by register

Formal

instead preferably more accurately to a greater extent

Informal

kinda sorta pretty much quite

Literary

anon ere long

Antonyms

less seldom rarely unlikely improbably

Common collocations

  • rather than
  • rather like
  • rather good
  • rather well
  • rather more
  • rather less
  • rather quickly
  • rather surprised

Word family

adverb rather

Usage note

Used to indicate preference, or to a certain degree. Can sometimes be used to soften a statement or express mild surprise.

Example sentences

  1. I would rather have chocolate ice cream than vanilla ice cream.
  2. She would rather read a book than watch TV.
  3. He would rather play outside than stay inside.
  4. They would rather go to the beach than the park.
  5. We would rather have a picnic than eat indoors.

Quotes

  • I was rather a precocious girl - I knew I was cleverer than most of the people I went to school with; and all my life I've had the feeling that if I just worked hard enough and was clever enough, I could do almost anything.
  • I am rather like a mosquito in a nudist camp; I know what I ought to do, but I don't know where to begin.
  • I'm rather proud of my mustache, actually. I think it's quite fetching.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words